The Emotional Impact of Breast Reconstruction Surgery

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The Emotional Impact of Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Battling breast cancer is a challenge no woman should have to face. In addition to dealing with the health implications and treatment options, a woman must face the possibility of losing a part or all of her breast or breasts.

We understand that facing a mastectomy can be an emotional rollercoaster for a women. We are here to offer breast reconstruction surgery with compassionate care – and the latest reconstruction technologies – to help you regain your natural shape and figure after cancer surgery.

Through the breast reconstruction process, many women find their self-confidence again – and are finally able to look forward to a new start on life after cancer.

Breast Reconstruction: a New Beginning

Every woman reacts differently, and it is impossible to predict how you will react to losing a breast until you are actually faced with that possibility.  It is perfectly normal to feel sad, nervous, anxious, worried, uncertain, grieving or even angry when you face a mastectomy.

Whatever your age, sexual orientation, or relationship status, a woman’s breasts can be an important part of your identity as well as your sexuality.  But with a good breast reconstruction surgeon, you can move forward, and take control of what you want to have happen next.

New breasts, through reconstruction, can be part of a new beginning for a new, cancer free you. You can restore your original appearance; or you can even change things up a bit with bigger or smaller – or higher, rounder or firmer – breasts.

In some cases women even opt to undergo a tummy tuck or liposuction at the same time for a body makeover that will help them with a fresh start.

Breast Reconstruction Options

Choosing breast reconstruction options is a very personal decision – and what is right for one woman is not necessarily right for another woman. Delving into your feelings and talking candidly with a caring and accomplished breast reconstruction surgeon can help you figure out what is best for you.

Some women may even choose to skip reconstruction. In these cases a woman can wear external breast forms or pads, or simply not change their post-surgery appearance at all. Many women may choose breast reconstruction to feel more attractive to themselves and to their partner. Other woman may simply want to look the way they did before – at home or work – in their regular clothes.

Whatever your motivation and personal desires for breast reconstruction, compassionate Birmingham plastic surgeon Dr. Ali will explain your options and help support your decisions – so you can realize your appearance goals after a mastectomy.

Improvements in breast reconstruction techniques and technologies mean that you have excellent options for restoring your ideal shape after a mastectomy! And, the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 requires group health plans and health insurance companies that offer mastectomy coverage to also pay for reconstructive surgery after mastectomy.

Natural looking and feeling breasts can be reconstructed using either breast implants or your own tissue, or a combination of both. Dr. Ali will explain your options, so you can make the decisions that are best for you.

Top Birmingham, MI Breast Reconstruction Surgeon

Dr. Ali is a caring and compassionate Birmingham, MI board certified plastic surgeon who has helped countless women reclaim their bodies after cancer with breast reconstruction surgery. He will offer you a consultation to answer your questions and offer you understanding advice about your breast reconstruction surgery options.

If you are battling – or have battled – breast cancer, you are not alone. We are here to help you determine what you want to do, so you can move forward with your best possible life.

Breast Reconstruction Surgeon Consultation: 248-335-7200

How Breast Surgeons Correct Inverted Nipples

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Breast Surgeons Can Correct Inverted Nipples –

Many women desire cosmetic changes to their breasts, and one of the most common procedures performed by breast surgeons is correcting an inverted nipple.

Detroit area double board certified breast surgeon Doctor Ali has enhanced, restored and repaired hundreds of women’s breasts, giving them the appearance and the self confidence they desire. In this article he discusses breast inversion correction surgery.

What Is an Inverted Breast Nipple?

An inverted nipple is a nipple that protrudes inward, instead of outward. It can look flat, mishappen, or even appear to be a sunken hole where the nipple would normally be located.

Nipple inversion is more common than most people realize, affecting at least 2% of all men and women. Some people are born with inverted nipples, while others have nipples that become inverted later in life due to breastfeeding, a tumor pulling the nipple inward, trauma or other conditions.

An inverted nipple can cause embarrasment during intimacy, in the locker room or fitting room, or any time a woman’s breast may be seen. In addition to cosmetic concerns, inverted nipples can also sometimes cause functional problems, such as making breastfeeding difficult.

How Breast Surgeons Correct Inverted Nipples

Breast surgeons can perform a simple and routine surgery on the nipples that restores a natural appearance. There is usually no to very little scarring, and the milk ducts are not affected for future breastfeeding.

During inverted nipple breast surgery the surgeon reshapes the nipple and areola so that the nipple projects out from the breast. This changes the appearance of the breast and still preserves the sensitivity of the nipple. Certain procedures also make sure the milk ducts are still working so that women can still breastfeed afterwards.

What to Expect After Nipple Correction Surgery

You will feel some discomfort for a few days after surgery, but this is easily managed with pain medication. After the Nipple Correction Surgery, some bruising and swelling is normal, but this typically only lasts for a few days.

You will be encouraged to begin walking around on the day of surgery, and can return to work as soon as you feel well enough. Many patients return to work as early as a day or two after surgery. Any stitches will generally be removed about 1 to 2 weeks following the procedure.

Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity as well as sexual activity for a week or two. You should also avoid exposing the resulting small scars to the sun for at least six months. Sunlight can permanently affect the skin’s pigmentation, causing the scar to turn dark. If sun exposure is unavoidable, use a strong sun block.

 

Top Detroit Breast Surgeon

The first step in correcting an inverted nipple is to have an examination and evaluation by a board certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Ali can work with you to develop the best possible plan for your particular needs. In most cases, nipple correction requires minimal recovery time.

If you’re concerned about an inverted nipple or would like more information about our nipple correction procedures, contact Detroit area board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali.

The vast majority of women who choose to get breast surgery, including nipple correction, report that their new breasts help them feel more self-confident, feel better about their bodies, and give them a greater feeling of well-being.

Detroit area board certified plastic surgeon Doctor Ali offers a breast surgery consultation to help you learn about your options and decide if breast implants are a good option for you.

Breast Surgeon Consultation: 248-335-7200

What Is The Difference Between Breast Augmentation & Breast Reconstruction?

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Breast Augmentation vs. Breast Reconstruction –

One of the many questions we are asked at Amae Plastic Surgery Center is “What is the difference between breast augmentation and breast reconstruction?” In this article Detroit area board certified plastic surgeon Doctor Ali, explains these two different sugeries.

Breasts are usually a significant source of self-esteem for most women. Women who feel good about the size and shape of their breasts, also tend to feel better about themselves.

Conversely, when a woman is disatisfied with her breasts – whether it’s the size, shape, or position –  feelings of frustration and low self-esteem can result. And the pressure put on women today by celebrity standards and social media posts can make a woman even more self conscious about areas of her body that she doesn’t like.

Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is one of the most commonly performed plastic surgery procedures.  “Augmentation” is simply defines as the process of making or becoming greater in size or amount. So a breast augmentation involves increasing the size of a woman’s breasts. Typically, breast augmentation involves the use of implants to enhance the shape and size of the breasts.

Breast augmentation can help women who feel that their breasts are too small in size, and can also help women who wish to restore their breast’s fullness following pregnancy, weight loss, and aging.

Breast implants can be saline or silicone and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. We have several articles in this Blog on breast implant size and shape:

Download our free white papers on breast reconstruction and breast augmentation.

Detroit area board-certified plastic surgeon Doctor Ali will help you determine which type, size and shape of breast implant is best to obtain your desired appearance results.

During breast augmentation surgery, the incision will typically be put in an inconspicuous area (such as the armpit or lower half of the areola) so there is no need to worry about significant scarring.

During breast augmentation surgery, in addition to breast implants, a patient may also desire a “breast lift” to correct sagging skin and raise the breasts upweards to a more youthful looking position.

Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is a cosmetic surgery procedure that is aimed at restoring the breast(s) as closely as possible to its original appearance and size. This procedure traditionally follows a mastectomy (the surgical removal of one or both breasts) as a way to treat breast cancer.

Breast reconstruction surgeries may also follow mastectomies performed for other medical purposes such as the prevention of disease, and can be performed to correct a genetic mutation. In rare cases, burns or other trauma may have damaged or destroyed breast tissue. These situations can also be treated with breast reconstruction surgery.

Breast implants may or may not be needed or desired by a breast reconstruction patient. During a breast reconstruction procedure, the nipple and the darker area around the nipple (called the areola) can also be restored or added to the new breast.

For most patients, breast reconstruction is a physically and emotionally rewarding procedure that improves the patients’s self-esteem, self-image, and quality of life.

Top Detroit Breast Augmentation & Reconstruction Surgeon

The vast majority of women who choose to get breast augmentation or reconstruction report that their new breasts help them feel more self-confident, feel better about their bodies, and/or give them a greater feeling of well-being.

Detroit area board certified plastic surgeon Doctor Ali offers a breast implant consultation to help you learn about your options and decide if breast implants are a good option for you.

Breast Augmentation or Reconstruction Consultation: 248-335-7200

How Much Does Plastic Surgery Cost?

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Bloomfield Hills, MI – Be it a friend, coworker, family member, or celebrity, most people know of someone who has had a tummy tuck, facelift, breast augmentation, or other procedure. Once reserved for the rich and famous, plastic surgery is much more available to the public today than ever before.

What are some common plastic surgeries, and just how much do they cost?

Surgeons today perform a vast amount of plastic surgeries. This broad scope encompasses everything from quick procedures like Botox injections to more complicated work like breast reconstruction. Then there are the “lifts” procedures: those for breasts, arms, butt, and thighs, all of which Detroit-area top surgeon Dr. Ali performs routinely. He is an expert at nearly two dozen different procedures and enjoys working with a variety of patients.

“When considering whether to undergo plastic surgery, there are many factors to take into account,” explains Dr. Ali. “Obviously, many people are concerned with the cost of each procedure, which can vary greatly. The price tag involves everything from the work being done to the surgeon’s qualifications to anesthesia to post-surgery medication and more.”

Cost for Breast Augmentation

Dr. Ali, who has completed more than 2,500 breast augmentation surgeries, gives an estimate. “The American Society of Plastic Surgeons puts the average procedure at about $3,700. However, this number does not include the actual operating room facilities, anesthesia, and several other costs. A better idea for the Detroit-area market is a price range from $3,700 to $8,500.” The complexity of work required, as well as whether patients prefer saline or silicone implants, factor into the final cost.

Average Prices for Other Procedures

For those uncertain about what surgery to pursue, Dr. Ali explains many of the common procedures he performs. Keeping in mind that each surgery has its own variables, the following list is a general guide to price ranges in the Detroit area:

  • Arm lift: $5,400 to $14,000; average: $9,800.
  • Botox: $200-$650; average: $375.
  • Brazilian butt lift: $4,500 to $10,500; average: $7,200.
  • Breast reduction: $300 to $14,000; average: $6,400.
  • CoolSculpting: $750 to $3,300; average: $1,800.
  • Eyelid surgery: $1, 100 to $6,500; average: $3,300.
  • A facelift: $7,500 to $15,00; average: $11,000.
  • Liposuction: $2,300 to $9,100; average: $5,200.
  • Rhinoplasty: $3,200 to $9,000; average: $6,100.
  • A tummy tuck: $4,000 to $12,000; average: $7,700.

Dr. Ali’s office also boasts the Botox Buddies Program, which saves a patient and a friend each $50 off the price.

The Bottom Line

“When it comes to deciding if plastic surgery is right for you, that’s ultimately a decision you need to make for yourself. However, I am happy to listen carefully to your desires to help improve your body image. Surgery is a wonderful option for many people, and I would be delighted to meet with you and determine how to meet your needs in the best way possible.”

To learn more about all the plastic surgery options available, contact Dr. Ali today to schedule an appointment at https://drali.com/make-an-appointment/.

About Us: With thousands of surgeries under his belt, board-certified Dr. Ali provides excellent services with a kind and compassionate touch to those in the Detroit, Michigan area.

 

breast reconstruction

Detroit Plastic Surgeon Dr. M. Azhar Ali Hosts Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day

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Detroit, MI – Amae Plastic Surgery Center in Bloomfield Hills is hosting a Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day for women affected by breast cancer. It is the only event in the country sponsored by the The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

The event will be held on October 19, 2016, at Amae Plastic Surgery Center, which is located at 43940 Woodward Avenue, Suite 100 in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, 48302.

What Is Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day?

Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day is part of the Breast Reconstruction USA Campaign, which is a co-initiative sponsored by the ASPS and The Plastic Surgery Foundation (The PSF). Together, the two organizations have managed to create one of the few breast cancer campaigns that are dedicated to building awareness around the options available to viable candidates of breast reconstruction surgery.

Building Awareness Around Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Breast reconstruction is a procedure that is designed to reform the breast following a mastectomy or lumpectomy. In starting the campaign, the ASPS and The PSF wants all women who are candidates for breast reconstruction surgery to have access to safe and timely treatment.

The campaign also wants women to know that Federal law mandates the coverage of breast reconstruction surgery for all breast cancer patients. This is the case even if the reconstruction procedure is delayed due to medical treatment.

Dr. Ali: One of the Country’s Top Breast Reconstruction Surgeons

Dr. Ali, who was recently honored with the coveted Top Docs 2016 award by Hour Detroit magazine, was chosen by the ASPS to host the Breast Reconstruction Awareness event because his practice provides the safe and timely treatment the ASPS and The PSF require as part of the campaign guidelines.

Dr. Ali boasts a 99% approval rating by his patients and is able to provide several breast reconstruction surgery case studies to showcase his expertise. Dr. Ali’s goal is to make all women aware of the breast reconstruction options that are available to them following a breast cancer operation.

Dr. Ali is proud to host the event and hopes that all women affected by breast cancer who live in the greater Detroit area will make an appearance.

“Come out and learn as much as you can about breast reconstruction surgery, which can improve your self-esteem and quality of life,” Dr. Ali said.

To learn more about Breast Reconstruction Day on October 19 or to schedule a breast reconstruction consultation with Detroit plastic surgeon Dr. Ali, visit https://drali.com/contact/.

About Us: Amae Plastic Surgery Center is operated by Dr. M. Azhar Ali, who was recently awarded one of 2016’s Top Docs by Hour Detroit magazine. The plastic and cosmetic surgery center is proud to serve the greater Detroit area, which includes the areas of Bloomfield Hills, Richmond Hills, Troy, Farmington Hills and Clarkston.

© 2016 Millionairium and Dr. Ali. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Millionairium and Dr. Ali are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

Breast lift

Breast Reconstruction Following Mastectomy

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Bloomfield Hills, MI – If you are a breast cancer survivor, you’ve already been through so much, and having to feel self-conscious about your body is not something you should have to worry about. While breast cancer treatment has advanced tremendously, and in many cases mastectomy is no longer needed, there are still many women in the U.S. who undergo total mastectomies each year. And for these women, breast reconstruction can provide relief and healing.

In most instances, breast reconstruction will need to be done in stages. Together with her plastic surgeon, the patient will decide which type of reconstruction procedure is right for her – breast implants, flap surgery, or a combination of both. You may be able to combine your reconstruction with your mastectomy, or you may choose to wait until you have healed from the mastectomy to move forward.

In the first stage of the procedure, the surgeon will place a tissue expander under the chest muscle. The expander will be gradually filled with saline to stretch the muscle and create a pocket for the implant to be placed. After reaching the desired size, the expander will stay in place for several weeks to ensure the scar tissue has a chance to heal.

The next step for the patient is to choose the type of implant that will be ideal. Silicone implants are more natural and softer feeling than saline implants. During the procedure, the expander will be removed and replaced with the implant. The surgeon will then reconstruct the nipple, and an areola will be tattooed to give the reconstructed breast the most natural look possible.

Some patients may not desire a breast implant, but would still like to undergo breast reconstruction. For these patients, flap surgery may be an option. A TRAM flap uses muscle, fat and skin from the patient’s own abdomen to reconstruct a breast. Depending on your surgeon’s preferences and ability, the flap can remain attached to its original blood supply and then moved up through the chest wall, or it can be removed and formed into a breast-shaped mound. In some cases, patients require both flap surgery and breast implants, if there isn’t enough tissue to create a full breast mound.

Patients will be required to wear an elastic bandage and/or support bra to minimize swelling and provide support for the newly reconstructed breast. A draining tube will be inserted under the skin to remove any excess fluid or blood, but will be removed within a few days following surgery. You will be given a prescription for pain medication to help with discomfort.

Over the following weeks, as the swelling subsides, patients will see their newly reconstructed breasts taking shape.

“Breast reconstruction surgery is one of the most rewarding things I do,” says Dr. Ali, a Michigan plastic surgeon. “A cancer diagnosis can be devastating, and then to have to worry about your physical appearance after can just put added stress on patients. Being able to provide patients with natural looking breasts after a mastectomy can help them gain back some confidence that may have been lost after their diagnosis, and I am so humbled to be able to be a part of their journey back to health.”

To learn more about breast reconstruction, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ali today.

© 2016 Millionairium and Dr. Ali. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Millionairium and Dr. Ali are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

Does Insurance Cover Breast Reconstruction for Cancer Patients?

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Many breast cancer patients are not aware that breast reconstruction is a viable option–both financially and physically–after a mastectomy.

Since 1998, the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA) has helped women with breast cancer who wish to have breast reconstruction surgery following a mastectomy. The WHCRA mandates that insurance companies that offer mastectomy coverage must also cover:

  • Reconstruction of the breast(s) on which the mastectomy was performed,
  • Reconstruction of the other breast to produce a symmetrical appearance (if only one breast underwent a mastectomy), and
  • The actual breast implant(s) used in the reconstruction of the breast.

WHCRA applies to group health plans for plan years starting on or after October 1, 1998, when the WHCRA was passed. However, the WHCRA is a complex law. It does not apply to Medicare and Medicaid, and several states have their own laws surrounding health plans and mandated coverage for mastectomies and reconstructive surgery. It is recommended that you contact your insurance company, your state’s insurance department and/or the US Department of Labor for more information.

If you are considering post-cancer breast reconstruction, contact Dr. Ali to discuss your options and learn more. Dr. Ali is highly recommended by oncologists and frequently gets involved with patients pre-mastectomy so that the reconstruction can be planned for.

For more information, download Dr. Ali’s free white paper, Introduction to Breast Reconstruction: Understanding Your Options.

Breast Reconstruction Info

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Michigan plastic surgeon Dr. M. Azhar Ali has just released a whitepaper on breast reconstruction. October is breast cancer awareness month, and many women are not aware of their options for post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. Today is the first BRA (Breast Reconstruction Awareness) Day USA, and in support Dr. Ali has put together this white paper as an overview of breast reconstruction and the various options available to women considering the procedure.

Dr. Ali is a top-rated plastic surgeon who is not only skilled at cosmetic surgery but is also highly experienced in breast reconstruction. Beyond his medical, surgical and plastic surgery training he has completed a Fellowship in reconstructive/aesthetic breast surgery at the Women’s College Hospital, University of Toronto.

To download the white paper, visit https://drali.com/white-papers/breast-reconstruction/